Joy Agwunobi
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has celebrated OPay, a Nigerian financial services provider, with the International Financial Inclusion Conference Award for its groundbreaking efforts in financial inclusion.
This recognition was announced at the 2024 International Financial Inclusion Conference, a platform that convened global policymakers, regulators, and industry players to deliberate on enhancing financial inclusion across Africa and beyond.
The award emphasises OPay’s pivotal role in supporting Nigeria’s financial inclusion agenda, which aligns with the CBN’s goal of achieving a 95 per cent financial inclusion rate by the end of 2024.
The 2024 International Financial Inclusion Conference also spotlighted key issues affecting financial inclusion in Nigeria, including widening access to services, promoting digital literacy, and strengthening partnerships between regulators and private firms like OPay.
In addition to the honour, OPay is also named the ‘Mobile Payment Solutions Provider of the Year’ at the 12th Annual Banks and Other Financial Institutions Awards. These recognitions reflect OPay’s collaboration with the CBN and other regulatory bodies has enabled it to provide millions of Nigerians with secure and easily accessible digital financial services, breaking down barriers that hinder financial access.
Commenting on the achievement, Dauda Gotring, OPay’s Chief Executive Officer,expressed gratitude, saying, “This recognition by the CBN underscores our commitment to offering innovative and inclusive financial solutions that comply with regulatory standards.”
He further explained that the award process evaluated factors such as compliance, technological advancements, customer impact, and alignment with the CBN’s financial inclusion targets, where OPay emerged as a standout performer.
OPay reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging technology within Nigeria’s regulatory frameworks to build a financial ecosystem that promotes inclusivity and supports economic development.
